Staff numbers cut from US Trapeze

Start-up swings the axe to reduce US headcount by 30

Wireless start-up Trapeze has cut staff at its US business from 110 to 80 employees, although it intends to hire at least one more person in Europe.

"Most of the staff who have left have gone from supporting roles," said Mike Banic, formerly director of product marketing and now vice-president of worldwide marketing at Trapeze.

"We have started to embark on what most start-up companies would have begun in their third year of operation. We are about 18 months ahead of our plans."

Trapeze has managed to attract $50m in venture capital funding since its inception 18 months ago.

Other staffing changes include George Prodan, previously marketing vice-president, who is retiring, and Al Sadler, formerly vice-president of operations, who has been promoted to chief operating officer.

According to Alistair Mutch, UK country manager for Trapeze, sales through the firm's two UK resellers, Telindus and Bedrock Networks, are encouraging.

David Grant, managing director of Bedrock Networks, said: "I'm impressed by [the lay-offs]. They are running it as a business rather than a charity.

"If I had any criticism, it would be that, from a business perspective, I would have been tempted to contract people rather than make them employees."